Southend-on-Sea is a unitary authority on the Essex coast, granted city status in 2022 in memory of Sir David Amess. Situated at the mouth of the Thames Estuary, it is one of the most visited seaside destinations in the UK, famous for its pleasure pier — the longest in the world — as well as its beaches, amusements and vibrant town centre. The authority covers approximately 15 square miles and has a population of around 180,000 people.